"It is really inspirational and really encouraging," said NPTS student Sayaka Shingu, who will be interning at the United Nations this semester as part of the International Professional Service Semester (IPSS). "It made me realize we can be like him and work like him on really challenging but achievable goals."

Students from the NPTS program got to shake hands with His Excellency and be in a group photo with him before his address to a packed Irvine Auditorium.

"Honestly, it was incredible," said Sophie Manoukian (NPTS '13).

Manoukian will also be heading to the United Nations this semester for the IPSS program. She will be working in the WMD branch of the Office of Disarmament Affairs. She said the Secretary-General's speech gave her inspiration for her upcoming assignment.

"It made me want to research all my information on disarmament education so that I show up there well prepared," she said.

During his speech, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the world needs the "skills and commitment" of Monterey Institute students to help in "advancing disarmament and nonproliferation."

"Not only does he visit the school I go to but he speaks so highly of the program I'm engaged in," said Jerry Davydov (NPTS '13). "It's truly honoring and truly reinforces my decision to come to the Monterey Institute and work with the Center for Nonproliferation Studies."

To watch the Secretary-General's entire address please visit go.miis.edu/unsg. For a slideshow of photos from the day click here.